Seven players the Bills could consider at the trade deadline, plus a preview of the Panthers game
The Buffalo Bills are gearing up for a crucial Week 8 match against the Carolina Panthers, fresh off a week of self-scouting to address their recent two-game losing streak. While it's not a must-win situation early in the season, another loss would mark the Bills' first three-game losing streak since 2018. Sean McDermott has a 8-0 record coming off the bye as the Bills' head coach, and the team's response to this challenge could significantly impact their roster construction for the 2025 season's stretch run.
As the trade deadline approaches on November 4, the Bills must make strategic decisions about which positions to address, all while operating within a tight budget.
Here's a breakdown of seven potential trade targets for the Bills, along with an analysis of their fit and potential impact.
WR Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints
- Age: 25
- 2025 prorated cap hit: $794,000
- Olave is a perfect fit for the Bills' scheme as a locked-in Z receiver. He excels as a separator and target earner, challenging all three levels of defense. His cap hit for 2025 fits the Bills' limited cap structure, and he's signed for 2026 on his fifth-year option, potentially becoming a long-term franchise member.
- However, the Saints' awareness of Olave's talent may lead them to extend him rather than trade him, making him the most expensive acquisition on this list.
WR Rashid Shaheed, Saints
- Age: 27
- 2025 prorated cap hit: $2.22 million
- Shaheed offers deep speed, the ability to take the top off defenses, and conversion on those chances. While he's not as clean a fit as Olave, the Bills could play him at Z receiver, similar to their acquisition of Amari Cooper last year.
- As a free agent in 2026, the Bills could recoup a pick via the compensatory formula, making him a more affordable option.
WR Jakobi Meyers, Las Vegas Raiders
- Age: 28 (29 in November)
- 2025 prorated cap hit: $5.7 million
- Meyers was a potential trade deadline target last year, but the Raiders kept him. This time, the case is less compelling due to his free agency status at the end of the season and the need to open cap space.
- Meyers would help at Z receiver and provide separation outside the numbers, addressing a need with Joshua Palmer's absence. He wouldn't offer as much deep threat as Olave or Shaheed but would be a good complementary fit.
WR Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens
- Age: 25 (26 in November)
- 2025 prorated cap hit: $926,000
- The Ravens' struggles could potentially lead to a trade, but it's a long shot. Bateman is signed through 2029, and his guaranteed money falls off after 2026. He's a talented route runner with a higher ceiling than his current role in a run-heavy offense.
DT Harrison Phillips, New York Jets
- Age: 29
- 2025 prorated cap hit: $1.96 million
- Phillips, drafted by the Bills, played one-technique defensive tackle for them for four seasons. He'd immediately improve the run defense and help rookie Deone Walker. His manageable 2026 contract makes him a valuable long-term addition.
- The need for Phillips depends on DaQuan Jones' health, who is considered week-to-week. If Jones is injured, Phillips becomes crucial at one-technique.
DT Maliek Collins, Cleveland Browns
- Age: 30
- 2025 prorated cap hit: $1.46 million
- Collins can play both three- and one-technique in the Bills' scheme, offering a bigger, better version of Larry Ogunjobi. He'd be an outstanding interior pass-rusher, pairing well with Oliver and providing rest.
- Signed for 2026, Collins' trade cost might be higher due to his performance and the Browns' need to eat cap space.
CB Rasul Douglas, Miami Dolphins
- Age: 31
- 2025 prorated cap hit: $664,000
- Douglas, a trusted starter for the Bills in 2024, would be a welcome addition. He's close to No. 1 cornerback Christian Benford and would upgrade the roster's depth.
- Cornerback may be a luxury trade target, but having reliable depth is crucial, especially with Maxwell Hairston's return likely in the next few weeks.
Panthers Game Preview
- Defensive End Michael Hoecht and DT Ogunjobi: Expect them to return to substantial rotational roles quickly, with Hoecht boosting the defense and Ogunjobi potentially backing up rookie Walker at one-technique.
- Offensive Strategy: The Bills may try to challenge the Panthers' strong run defense by running the ball, using play-action, and targeting 'inside the numbers' to unlock their ground game.
- LB Terrel Bernard: It might be too early for Bernard to return from his ankle injury, but LB Shaq Thompson's play gives the Bills leeway to let him heal fully before the Chiefs game.
- Safety Taylor Rapp: Rapp's knee injury makes him unlikely to play, requiring a replacement for the starting lineup alongside Cole Bishop. Jordan Poyer seems likely, but rookie Jordan Hancock might get a chance to showcase his skills.
Projected Moves:
- Promote DT Jordan Phillips and S Jordan Poyer to the 53-man roster.
- Place DT DaQuan Jones on IR.
Projected Inactives:
- WR Joshua Palmer (knee/ankle), OT Chase Lundt, LB Terrel Bernard (ankle), S Taylor Rapp (knee), KR/PR Brandon Codrington.
Prediction: Bills 26, Panthers 17. The Bills will focus on stopping the run and forcing the Panthers to throw, potentially leading to turnovers and a win.
